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2018 Zone 4 of the Stairsteps Unit Closes in Big Cypress

Ochopee – Today, May 3, 2018, Zone 4 of the Stairsteps Unit within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed to airboat access due to low water conditions. On April 18, 2018, low water level thresholds were observed and have persisted for the required two-week period. Access to the Stairsteps Unit will be reopened when verification of those surface water depths have returned to safe levels.

Big Cypress National Preserve staff have consulted with our partners in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding this matter and they have agreed to implement this closure.

The closure order is temporary and is implemented for resource and visitor protection during periods of low water. All other closures remain in effect until rescinded by a press release.